It seems Microsoft has came at LittleBigPlanet enough to spawn there own title, which is Xbox's LittleBigPlanet. To be honest it looks pretty awesome IMO. But it looks more like a game maker then a Sandbox.
Quote:
Boku is a new visual programming language made specifically for creating games. It is designed to be accessible for children and enjoyable for anyone. The programming environment runs on the XBox, allowing rapid design iteration using only a game controller for input.
Quote:
The core of the Boku project is the programming user interface. The language is simple and entirely icon-based. Programs are composed of pages, which are broken down into rules, which are further divided into conditions and actions. Conditions are evaluated simultaneously.
The Boku language is designed specifically for game development and provides specialized primitives derived from gaming scenarios. Programs are expressed in physical terms, using concepts like vision, hearing, and time to control character behavior. While not as general-purpose as classical programming languages, Boku can express advanced game design concepts in a simple, direct, and intuitive manner.
Here are some features the game will include:
* High level language incorporates real-world primitives: collision, color, vision * Uses XBox 360 Game Controller for input - no keyboard required * Runs on XBox 360 and PC * Interactive terrain editor * Bridge and path builder * Terrain editor - create worlds of arbitrary shape and size * 20 different characters with different abilities * Built-in sharing and rating
The only real similarity between LBP and this is that they both have an open ended sharing system. From what M'aiq has read, Boku was actually displayed several years ago, though with very little hype, not long after people knew what LBP was.
M'aiq really hopes this does turn out to be something great, as it would give him another game to look forward to. MS says we'll be able to "experience it early 2009" indicating a possible demo or beta.
The way the programming works sort of reminds me of Multimedia Fusion 2, a semi-cruddy game making program that requires you to make "sentences" (when [ball] touches [wall], [ball] [bounces]). Looks like it could be really fun, as long as there's tons of things you can do to make your game unique.
Looks fun, but it lacks the charm and style that LittleBigPlanet has.
LBP always reminded me a bit like Loco Roco thats why i liked it, Boku reminds me more of a professional thing and not as happy go lucky. (not saying tha LBP is happy go lucky thats just the tone of the game universe)
